1-a in rockefeller plaza. ♪ >> okay we're not lying. we did win. we told you yesterday. this is our ticket. we won -- should we tell them how much or will it make people feel bad? >> nobody will be happy for us. we're preparing for that. >> we won $4. we have to divide it among nine people. and if you divide it you get 44 cents, allegedly. is that true? we didn't do the math. we are relying on others. >> we are relying on equally stupid people. >> a couple of people did win. someone in arizona and someone in missouri. those are the two spots. if you have a relative there ask someone about it.

here are the numbers in case you're wondering. 5, 16, 22, 23, 29 and the powerball was 6. >> there were lots of people who were lucky like we were who spent $5 and won $4. >> it's like theater. going to the theater world. >> almost 9 million people won smaller prizes. >> and we're one of them. >> some people actually won $1 million. there were how many people? >> i may be one of those people i came home last night and frank said, i want to show you something. usually when he says that it's something different. but this time it was two powerball tickets. >> something different. >> we may have won and frank has probably thrown them away thinking we didn't win them. honey, check them. we might have won money. >> if you didn't win, don't feel bad. we were looking at odds how it is to win. you have more of a chance of getting hit by -- killed by a vending machine.

odds are one in 112 million. >> is that a vending machine minding its own business sitting there? one you kick? >> you put your money it in, it doesn't come out, you shake it because that's what people do. then it tips over and kills you. you have a better chance of that. >> better chance of getting attacked by a shark. which is always fun. 1 in 11.5 million. >> the odds of you becoming president, 1 in 10 million. >> better chance of being killed by bees. 1 in 6 million. >> a better chance of dying from using a right-handed product incorrectly if you're left-handed. >> one in four million people are stupid enough to do that. 70% of the people who land sudden windfalls lose the money within several years. >> the story used to be shocking, the lottery winner who sleeps under the bridge in the end then it became a common story. which is sad. >> you have one of those in your new book coming out in january called "ten years later."

coming out in january. >> i'm excite. that will be in the sequel. >> the concept of the book is you find a significant event in someone's life like they won the lottery, lost a job, lost a loved one, then ten years later. to see what happens. we're doing the lottery winner in our next one. it was big here last night, the tree lighting. it brings hundreds of thousands of people it seems like. you cannot move when that happens. >> you can't tell it's lit because it's daylight but last night just before 9:00 with savannah and al at the helm, it all worked. the lights went on just as scheduled. let's watch. >> three, two, one -- ♪ joy to the world >> beautiful, beautiful that norway spruce is gorgeous. when they are done with this tree they carve up the wood and give it to habitat for humanity. >> i didn't know that. that's great. there were some fun performances. let's take a look at mariah

carey, shall we? she was in a joyful mood. >> she had it all working. >> tony bennett, of course, was there. cee lo green was there. >> where isn't tony bennett? he's ubiquitous. and there is il volo, we love those guys. is chris mann there? listen to that voice. rod stewart. ♪ let it snow let it snow let it snow ♪ >> and of course, cee lo. he never disappoints. >> he's got a muppet scene going these days. good. it was i guess a big hit for all. >> really great. here is something cool. yesterday, al lost his voice, excuse me on tuesday. >> joe hanson had to do the weather. >> matt as we know is a big

germofolk. matt started backing his chair away. >> jay leno thought it was funny matt is such a germophobe. >> al roker got a case of laryngitis yesterday morning and was sitting next to matt lauer. matt is a bit of a germophobe. matt seems a little paranoid he's going to catch something from al. maybe i'm overreacting. here. here. take a look. >> what happened? >> a lot of laryngitis. >> i don't think it's at all contagious. let me tell you what it's -- [ applause ] >> that's funny. >> it's cute. he's no matt lauer. matt's body is so much better. >> how do you know? >> i saw him in a magazine on a beach. >> yes, you did.

>> that's my story i'm sticking to it. >> lindsay lohan, you know what? >> every morning we are terrified we are going to hear one more story. 4:00 a.m., apparently according to tmz and other sources, she was at a night club. >> these things never happen at church. she was at a club at 4:00 in the morning. >> someone was sitting at an adjacent booth and there was some exchange of words. lindsay said something like give me my space. they say at the end of the whole deal lindsay lohan allegedly pun. lindsay in the face. she was on the way leaving and the police intercepted her. i guess that's her under the coat. >> how many times is she going to take the perp walk? >> she is always on tv saying i'm done with partying. she's been saying that a lot lately. done with it. the new me. >> that's the girl who got -- okay. >> maybe she wasn't drinking, but i've never been in a club at 4:00 in the morning in my life. i've been in clubs before like around 11:00.

most people are drinking. most people are a little uninhibited. what are you doing in a club at 4:00? every time she goes to one, it seems like. somebody, please, please take care of her. >> definitely. >> i want to stop doing lindsay lohan stories. we were hoping to do a great one this week with talking about her comeback. even then she wasn't showing professional behavior. she wasn't showing up on time. can somebody get her up into a studio on time? >> right. you think by now her parents are watching. isn't there a point where they just kind of -- >> she is an adult. you can't make somebody do something. i don't know. you know what you can't make a zebra and horse do or a pony? a pony and a zebra? you can't make them stay in prison when they want to get out. they broke out. >> this was a staten island petting zoo. let's make a break for it, go, go, go. they were running down the street. some guy had his video camera. >> they heard lindsay was at a

club. they were going to take the ferry and come over and party. >> apparently the zebra said he wasn't going to do it, but the pony went and he followed. you know how you always blame the other guy? >> in life there are ponies and zebras. there are leaders and followers. we've got to do this ihoda. you're going to actually love this song. i'll tell you why. this song is called "one voice" by the waylon jennings. >> is it the "one voice" barry manilow wrote? >> don't confuse me with your knowledge of music. you can choose to live your life as a lone ranger by yourself, as a couple or with multiple people. listen to this song. you're going to love. ♪ ♪ one spirit one voice the sound of one who makes a choice ♪

♪ this is the sound of one voice ♪ ♪ this is the sound of one voice ♪ ♪ this is the sound of voices two ♪ ♪ the sound of me singing with you ♪ ♪ helping each other make it through ♪ ♪ this is the sound of voices two ♪ ♪ this is the sound of voices >> and it goes into three. >> i'd love to hear the end of it. sad we don't have time. >> listen to the three real quick. we have a little bit of time. ♪ ♪ this is the sound of voices three singing together in

harmony ♪ ♪ this is the sound of voices thr three ♪ >> this is a group from canada. >> i love waylon jennings. makes your heart happy. >> every day we do this baby names of 2012. >> based on 450,000 babies born in 200012. here are the most popular girls babies on baby center sophia, emma, olivia, isabelle la, lily, chloe,. >>

betty because of betty white apparently. baby betty. >> aiden, jackson, ethan, liam, mason, noah, lucas, jacob, jayden and jack. new to that is mia and jack. >> those are interesting names this year. i wonder why sophia, mia, what do you think? >> we have an isabella sophia at our house. all of their friends that come over, isabella, sophia, mia. >> we have a big show. he's one of hollywood's most talented writers and directors and actors and adorable. >> we love our ed burns. >> and we'll reveal our ambush makeovers. >> how cute he looks. >> he's so cute. >> first these messages. at cepacol we've heard people are going to extremes to relieve their sore throats. oh, okay, you don't need to do that. but i don't want any more of the usual lozenges and i want new cooling relief! ugh. how do you feel? now i'm cold.

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starts with arthritis pain and a choice. take tylenol or take aleve, the #1 recommended pain reliever by orthopedic doctors. just two aleve can keep pain away all day. back to the news. just two aleve can keep pain away all day. ♪ you can help othersink along the way. ♪ ♪ a portion of every bottle that they sell goes to fight ♪ ♪ breast cancer and i think that's swell. ♪ ♪ the more you take, the more they'll pay, ♪ ♪ so make them write a big check today. ♪ ♪ and if you're feeling a little slow, ♪ ♪ then 5-hour energy will help you go. ♪ ♪ so buy a bottle of pink lemonade and ♪ ♪ you can help fight breast cancer today. ♪ the holidays are a time when families get together to celebrate and reconnect. let's not sugar coat things. they can be filled with a lot of drama. >> no one captures that better than actor, writer, director ed burns.

>> and all around good guy. he returns in his indy film called "the fitzgerald family christmas." he plays the older, more opinionated bossy brother. take a look. >> she actually suggested i let her sneak the baby out one day and get her baptized. >> i think it's genius. >> we are not baptizing the baby. >> why not? >> corey is jewish. >> i thought corey was an atheist. >> he's still jewish. >> there are some light moments in. this but there are heavy duty ones, too. tell us a little bit about for those who haven't seen the movie, where it came from in that brain of yours. >> i wanted to make a film that took a look at a big family. >> a couple of my best friends, one is one of nine, one is one of 12. i always heard great stories about the dynamics in those families. the three oldest kids, three middle kid, three youngest kids sometimes have very different opinions about their parent,

what a good or bad job the parents did. that's where i started. this takes a look at seven adult siblings who have to deal with the fact the father that walked out on the family 20 years ago has returned and he wants to spend christmas with the family. >> he's dying. >> yeah. you gave it away. >> i didn't give it away. we don't know what happens. >> now we got that out of the way. >> people come back for all kinds of reasons. why did he show up after 20 -- sorry. you didn't tell me not to say. >> the cast, you took your old favorites and brought them all back. talk about your full cast. >> it's like i've got two generations of cast members and two parts of my career. the early mcmullen season and these later films i've been doing. i knew i was going to work with -- >> she is so great. >> connie here. speaking of connie, i knew i wanted to work with connie britton.

and mike maglonagen. i said why wait till then? how about you join this family? to work with connie and mike again it was as if no time has passed. it was great. >> the underlying theme is forgiveness. is it possible in that kind of a familial environment for everybody to come to some point of acceptance and forgiveness? >> i think that's the theme of the movie. it's a big part of christmas. i think this family looks at it like, okay, maybe we can't forgive this guy for everything he's done, but for tonight, for this one day, christmas, let's forgive him without giving away the ending -- >> i didn't give away the ending. >> he doesn't die in the film. >> he doesn't die, okay? >> you said the script just poured out of you. >> tyler perry gave me great advice. he goes, look, i rewatched your first two films. in 15 years, why haven't you

ever gone back and explored those types of characters, that world and make that kind of film about a family again? >> an honest water waurt dwarts and all look at it. in real life because we know this father did something that's tough, your dad is completely -- you keep writing that kind of father figure. what does your father who is a wonderful man say about that? >> we were at a film festival. he was at the screening. during the q and a i never got to explain to the audience my dad isn't anything like this guy. after he goes you're a real pain, you've got to tell these folks that i am not a -- whatever. >> how can people see this film? >> you have a new way of letting people see these film. >> you bypass the middle man. >> a lot of indy films followed suit. the film is available on vod. which is movies on demand. if you see this interview, like it, see it on movies on demand

channel and buy it today or go to itunes or amazon. >> wow. that's cool. >> makes it so much more marketable. you don't have to pay all the p.r. you can come on and be with us for free. we'll have you every day. >> i'll be back tomorrow. >> it will be in some theaters. >> it opens theatrically on the 7th in new york and the tri-state area and florida. on the 14th, all around. >> we wish you all the best. we always do. we love when you come on. >> you're a terrific guy. christy is off in uganda doing good work. >> merry christmas. >> we are staying in the christmas spirit. our webtastic videos will light up your day. >> really? that kind of light up? >> yeah, right after this. new pink lemonade 5-hour energy? 5-hour energy supports the avon foundation for women breast cancer crusade. so i can get the energized feeling i need and support a great cause? i'm sold. pink lemonade 5-hour energy? yeah and a portion of every sale goes to the avon

foundation for women breast cancer crusade. i'm sold. new pink lemonade 5-hour energy. get the alert, energized feeling you need and support breast cancer research and access to care. ♪ [ female announcer ] with its rich, silky smooth taste there's magic in every piece of dove® dark chocolate. ♪ i have a cold... i took dayquil, but i still have a runny nose. [ male announcer ] truth is, dayquil doesn't work on runny noses. what? [ male announcer ] it doesn't have an antihistamine. really? [ male announcer ] really. alka-seltzer plus cold and cough fights your worst cold symptoms, plus has a fast acting antihistamine to relieve your runny nose. [ sighs ] thank you!

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♪ ♪ it is time for webtastic. sara haines digs up the next video sure to lighten your mood. >> we have a festive double feature for you. >> it's the time of year when

people start to decorate for the holidays. i bet none of your neighbors have a light display like this. ♪ gangnam style ♪ power fm so people can watch and listen from their cars. >> what if you don't want to hear it or see it? it's not playing all the time. >> when does it play? so i can avoid it? >> they are transmitted so people can watch and listen from the car. he used l.e.d. lights. that's only going cost john about $15 to run for the whole month. >> what is it going to cost to get out of prison after you shoot your neighbor? >> it has 1.2 million hits. this video alone. he's done this for years. he just moved into a new house. possibly voted off the island. we have one more. he created light shows for a

dozen songs this year. check out the vision of "the hamster dance." this is my favorite one. >> wrong. i don't love it. >> the hamster dance. >> you need to stop drinking before the show. during is fine. not before. >> you hand over your wine. >> i love you. i wanted to share. >> can you believe this? he's in austin, texas, so don't move there. in case you're wondering. >> okay. austin is a party town. everybody loves their music. >> thank you. >> we'll show off their new hot looks after this. >> from movies to music we've got everything you need to know in the world of entertainment.

back now with more of today on this thirsty thursday. time for our plaza ambush makeovers. we pluck two lucky ladies and

surprise them with a brand-new look. >> using their amazing handiwork as always, "today" stylist louis licari. sfli. >> i bet there are some people out there that actually just did it. >> i want to be number one on the charts. >> and "today" and ""us weekly"" contributor and author jill martin. >> how was the crowd out there today? >> great crowd. the holiday spirit is really kicking in. that tree lit up. we decided to light up a few ladies. >> marilyn is 59 years old from hanover, indiana. she just retired this past wednesday from her job as a bulldozer operator. wow. that surprised me. >> you should read these ahead of time. >> ready to jump-start this new phase in her life. let's take a listen. >> you're such a cute little thing i cannot believe you drove a bulldozer. >> bulldozer, earth mover and i was a lineman on a barge. >> congratulations on your

retirement. you had all men's clothing and you've cut your own hair for 40 years? >> yes. always. >> so what do you think about us doing this whole revamping on you? >> do whatever you want to do. this is going to be really fun. really fun. i've never colored my hair. i cut my hair 40 years. wore it in a ponytail underneath a hard hat. this will be totally new. he will never know who i am when i come in. >> okay. how fun. >> he is terry, the tall one in the back. their friends are judy, tom phyllis and janice. keep your blind folds on till we give you the green light. here is marilyn before. let's see the new you. oh, my gosh! are you guys ready? take off your blind folds. >> oh, my gosh! >> are you ready? >> oh, my!

>> what do you think? you're beautiful, right? >> i'm not sure it's me. >> it is you. >> turn around here. tell us about the hair. >> now that her whole problems about dealing with the hard hat every day are gone, what we did is give this great haircut, layers, bangs, shaped around the face. >> i love the shape. you can still wear it with a ponytail. the big concern was the hard hat would fall off. you don't have to worry about that. i made her into the redhead she once was. before it started to gray. >> terry, what do you think back there, big guy? >> she was beautiful before and is more beautiful now. >> i still think he likes me. >> wonderful, he's ready to take her shopping. >> look at him doing interviews. >> we're on our way to macy's. >> don't forget bloomingdale's. >> tell us about the outfit.

she said i don't want to go to men's warehouse. i said don't worry. this is from donna morgan. we wanted to give you a ttle lace. this is a great dress for the holidays. it wasn't too overbearing. she said whatever you want to do with me, which we always love. >> a big round of applause for marilyn. >> good job. >> thank you, sweetie. we have sandy, 63 from new brunswick, canada. that's so nice. she had the same look as long as she can remember. she was excited to get a glam new look. let's hear her story. >> i'm excited for this one because underneath here i know that there is a hot little body and you're single. tell me what you want? from this makeover. >> i would like to look like a new yorker. >> a new yorker. >> yes. >> and you're single so we're going to make you look very glam so maybe you can find your ultimate man. >> that would be a bonus, yes. that would be great. >> all righty. she is here with her daughter-in-law lynn. let's look at sandy before and

bring the new sandy out. >> wow! all right, lynn. take off your blind fold there. >> oh, my god. i love it! >> turn around, sandy. see what she's clapping for. >> oh, my gosh. it's beautiful. i love my hair. >> you obviously did a major makeover here. >> sandy had the problem of she was born blonde, her hair kept going gray and she kept highlighting it. >> look at the difference. >> i put color all over. single process blonde. again, vanessa's haircut adds a soft lift. >> gorge is. i love that dress. >> maggie london.

can you show off the back? we wanted to give her a sexy back, too. it's a huge trend. >> sorry about the microphone. >> all the statement jewelry for under $100. if you're looking for great statement jewelry for the holidays. >> now you need a date for new year's eve. what do you think? >> i love it. it's amazing. she looks like princess diana. >> that's sweet. >> let's bring marilyn out. a big round of applause. you're both beautiful, ladies. we've got the five hot hollywood headlines. >> and a hot guy giving them to us. >> we love jason kennedy a lot. we'll be right back. you'll be talking about this. ♪ a portion of every bottle that they sell goes to fight ♪ ♪ breast cancer and i think that's swell. ♪ ♪ the more you take, the more they'll pay, ♪ ♪ so make them write a big check today. ♪ ♪ and if you're feeling a little slow, ♪ ♪ then 5-hour energy will help you go. ♪ ♪ so buy a bottle of pink lemonade and ♪

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we know it's only thirsty thursday, but we are looking forward to the weekend. >> here to tell us the five things you want to look forward to from the world of entertainment is e news correspondent and pal. our adopted little brother jason kennedy.

>> good to see you again. >> tell us about the movies. so many movies out to see. >> brad pitt is coming back. he'll be on the big screen this weekend "killing them softly." it's nothing like "money ball." he plays a mob enforcer. it's a crime drama. there is a lot of violence. not one for the kids. it's got a great cast. you see james gandolfini is it in it, ray liota. brad pitt at his finest though, a lot of blood and guts. >> i can't wait for him to do a nice romantic movie again and shave. i want to see that face again. >> what if you want to stay home and watch movies at home? >> stocking stuffers maybe. >> "paranormal" is coming out for the kids. "men in black iii" with will smith, tommy lee jones and josh brolin. those are three good ones coming out on demand and dvd this weekend. >> okay. >> that's not weird or anything.

>> no, no. >> what is happening? >> in music news, grammy nominations are coming out next week. >> normally they do this in los angeles. the first time they are going to hold it live in nashville. taylor swift will be hosting it with l.l. cool jay and maroon five is going to be performing with luke brian. they'll do all the major categories there and that's next wednesday. >> that is a real tip of the hat to nashville and country music. it's a huge force in the music world and i don't think they get enough credit. they have brilliant musicians. >> they are getting it more and more definitely with this change in location. >> moving on to television. "revenge." >> are you locked into the show? >> i was first season. >> i haven't watched it. >> this sunday is the winter finale. they are not going to do any new episodes until january. you know how the networks do it.

try to build suspense. there are going to be a lot of new revelations, twists and turns happening. >> a couple people die? >> yes. people are dying. >> they're dying every day. it happens. >> oh, my gosh. >> let's move on to shakira and her baby bulge. >> i don't think she will show until she is seven months pregnant. >> she did an instagram with her boyfriend who is a soccer star. she is gearing up not only to have a baby boy but do "the voice." she will be on there with usher replacing christina and cee lo. >> everyone talking about rihanna's "7-7-7" tour. everyone was complaining how late she was and she was delayed. she said there were no problems aboard that flight. >> she had 150 journalists on the plane, seven countries, seven days, seven concerts, but they didn't have access to her.

one journalist got so upset, took his clothes off and went streaking on the plane. she finally addressed it. it was like the elephant in the room. she said -- there's the streaker right there. what did she say finally? she said i needed to use the time to sleep, to rest my voice. this is something she had never done before. was kind of an experiment. she didn't go crazy. she wasn't out partying. >> still. you don't keep people waiting three hours and bring them all with you. >> it sounded like a good idea on paper. didn't work out. >> she was on the same plane but up in first class and they weren't allowed to go in. >> throw the journalists back in economy. >> well, some of them deserve to be. just saying. >> justin bieber, remember the woman who accused him of having a baby with her. this is back up again. >> paternity is back. >> we thought that was over. it was supposedly settled. now the attorneys are saying that they still do not have the dna test that justin said he did. so it came back to that. >> where is that test? >> the test, has it been done yet?

that's the main question. >> he was on the road, the world tour and said he did it and took off. >> no one knows where the dna test is. so apparently, it hasn't been settled. >> and that child is in this world. >> yes, it is. >> thank you, jason. >> joy bauer shares secrets to losing that stubborn belly fat. >> good morning. i'm meteorologist crystal egg erwith the weather channel walking you through the next few days as we get into the weekend. for friday we're looking at quiet weather across the middle of the country. much cooler air across the northern states. that's going to change as the mild air builds up across the north get into the weekend. a few light snowshowers still expected across the hates and into the interior northeast. this is where all the focus is going to be. across the west. we're talking about northern california into oregon and washington. eventually moving into the northern rockies, parts of idaho there looking at some

substantial snow the next few days. 36 in minneapolis, 75, however, in dallas. record-setting temperatures possible across parts of oklahoma and texas as far as kansas city we may see some records in the coming days. very warm east of the rockies. notice this warm front we start to see some of the mild air build back up in and around the lakes. not going to be quite as chilly as it has been but very heavy rain, strong winds and high elevation snow for the northwest. be very careful if you're doing any traveling. and be aware that the winds could bring down trees and power lines. we'll be into the 60s here across the ohio valley on saturday. by sunday looking at a few rainshowers in this area. indiana into ohio and the interior northeast. this will be gone by mounday. the cold front that impacted the northwest starts to move across country and cool temperatures off behind it. denver down to 52 degrees by earlier next week. cold front setting up here on

tuesday with showers from the ohio valley down into parts of the south and moving into the southeast by wednesday changing up the nice weather we're enjoying right now. a lot of changes to talk about. you can get the very latest week day mornings at 5:30. wake up with al and stephanie. [ male announcer ] alka-seltzer plus presents the cold truth. i have a cold, and i took nyquil, but i'm still "stubbed" up. [ male announcer ] truth is, nyquil doesn't unstuff your nose. what? [ male announcer ] it doesn't have a decongestant. no way. [ male announcer ] sorry. alka-seltzer plus fights your worst cold symptoms plus has a fast acting decongestant to relieve your stuffy nose. [ sighs ] thanks! [ male announcer ] you're welcome. that's the cold truth! [ male announcer ] alka-seltzer plus. ♪ oh what a relief it is! ♪ [ male announcer ] to learn more about the cold truth and save $1 visit alka-seltzer on facebook. ♪

[ female announcer ] with its rich, silky smooth taste there's magic in every piece of dove® dark chocolate. ♪

back with "joy's healthy bite." >> a new segment. i like it. >> whether it snuck up on you or when you hit 40 or you stuffed yourself like a thanksgiving turkey last week, belly fat is difficult to lose. >> joy bauer has healthy snack options and help you shrink that stubborn middle area and help you reduce diabetes. that is a problem area for a lot of women. >> bottom line is, you can't spot reduce, but there are tricks you can do to lose fat all over. the best part is that the belly fat tends to mobilize first.

>> really? >> these foods work. >> green tea. >> everybody loves a soothing cup of tea. now we have research if you sip on either green tea or black tea before a meal or with the meal, it helps to actually play interference with the breakdown >> stop it. >> really? >> yes. starch meaning rice, pasta or potatoes. >> before or during? >> before or during. it can be green or black. all tea is virtually calorie-free and fills you up with fluid so you wind up pulling back on the main meal. you eat less and you will lose the belly fat. >> i like that one. what's next? take advantage of the festive varieties now, cinnamon and spice. lots of holiday play vors -- flavors. >> i called these stuffed cukes. i'm replacing a cracker with a low-calorie, low-carb cucumber. >> you get the crunch.

>> what is that tuna? >> you can do chicken salad, tuna salad, crab salad. this is a holiday inspired hors d'oeuvre. thanks to our kitchen good ess. use light mayo or nonfat greek yogurt. >> we need to try this. it's delicious. >> you can leave the skin on or off with the cucumber. >> nice part about a cucumber, it's more than 95% water. the more water you take in, the more water and sodium you flush out. >> a lot of people have trouble with cucumbers. they return on them, shall we say. >> nice way of putting it. >> then you would only eat the stuffing. >> i think that pecans should be the official nut of the holidays. when you toast pecans in your home, nothing makes your kitchen smell more fabulous. they are very low carb. it's a filling, fiber, you have to stop at about two handfuls, but if you sprinkle these with a

little cinnamon, the cinnamon helps to keep your blood sugar stable. between the pecans and the cinnamon it's really an ultimate hunger-squelching snack. >> this is my go-to food. >> i need to eat more fruit. >> an apple a day keeps the doctor away to an apple a day keeps diabetes away. new research shows if you eat an apple a day you have a dramatically less likely chance of developing diabetes. >> is it pectin? >> a combination of the pectin and fiber but also these special antioxidants in the apple. they are so low maintenance. they are portion control. i love honey crisp right now. amazing crunch. 100 calories and a perfect snack. for anyone looking to lose weight. >> you know you want it. >> i do. >> bean dip. beans are a combo of protein and fiber, which helps to expand in your stomach and keep you feeling full. you eat less. for a holiday dip there is

nothing easier than taking a can of white cannelini beans, draining it, rinsing it, tossing it in the food processor with minced rosemary, garlic, a little olive oil and salt and pepper. >> taste it. >> dark chocolate. >> that's what i've been waiting for. >> when you're faced with cupcakes, brownies and fudge, go for the dark chocolate if they have it. europeans came up with a study that shows there is something in dark chocolate that not only tastes so good but helps make our insulin more sensitive. when your insulin is mow sensitive, your blood sugars are stable, you feel fuller and lose belly fat. dark chocolate almonds are the best. >> go for it. >> thank you so much. this is "today" on nbc. back in a moment. 2@

the rockefeller center tree outside is lit for the holiday season is officially here and our toy drive is in full swing. >> we have wonderful toy companies helping us out. sarah douglas is from stamping up one of our partners. >> usually your mom is with us. >> i get to be here with you and i am so excited. >> we're delighted to have you. >> you are a crafts company. >> we are. we are donating over $300,000 worth of crafts supplies for families and kids all over the united states. >> that's great. >> why do you do it every year? >> there is something magical

that happens when kids and parents sit down to create. i know my kids love to create things, gifts really for us as parents. >> they love to give you something. they are so proud, aren't they? >> and thank you for coming and thank you for all you do. >> we know your mother is right over there. >> and thank you for your cool hairdo. >> you're adorable. nice to see you. >> you can contribute to our toy drive in person or make a donation from home. check our website for details. >> tomorrow, ralph macchio and whacky holiday gifts from maxim magazine. why kids lie. >> and some adults. >> we'll talk about it tomorrow. e a gr okay. so you're the chef. >> she's the organizer. jeff: tlc's sister wives. >> honestly he's in the dog house most of the time. >> i have never had all of them mad at once. that's a scary thought. jeff: their plural family val